Leadership in Ophthalmology Professional Organizations: A Descriptive Analysis and Trends, 2002-2022

PURPOSE: To describe characteristics and trends in appointed leaders of ophthalmology professional organizations between 2002 and 2022. DESIGN: Trend study. METHODS: This study used a Web-based search and data collection. Data were collected on 232 individuals appointed to leadership positions of ophthalmology professional organizations. Main outcome measures were demographic and publication data. RESULTS: Of the 232 ophthalmology leaders appointed between 2002 and 2022, 22.8% were female. Most leaders had subspecialty training (92.9%), practiced in the South (32.6%, P = .001), and practiced at academic institutions (64.8%). Leaders were appointed 32.7 ± 7.3 years after graduation from medical school. Significant variation existed in the number of publications (98.3 ± 104.0) and research productivity scores (29.2 ± 19.5) at the time of appointment. The number of female leaders doubled in 2012-2021 as compared to 2002-2011 (2002-2011: 14.5% female vs 2012-2021: 29.6% female; P = .01). Female leaders were generally appointed earlier in their careers as compared to male leaders (P = .005, male vs female in 2002-2011; P = .02 male vs female in 2012-2021). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of publications or research productivity scores among female vs male leaders. CONCLUSIONS: Leaders of ophthalmology professional organizations are largely fellowship-trained subspecialists practicing at academic institutions. Although the number of female leaders of ophthalmology professional organizations has grown over time, most leaders are male. Female leaders tend to be earlier in their careers than male leaders; however, there is no statistically significant difference in research productivity scores among female vs male leaders.